Tag: sports

B2 – Upper Intermediate

As stress and pressure continue to affect young people in Malawi, many are turning to an unexpected source of relief—rock climbing. What was once a little-known sport in the country is now gaining popularity among the youth, who see it not only as a physical challenge but also as a way to clear their minds, build confidence, and find balance in their daily lives.

Read this article to learn more about it.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jul/29/malawi-first-rock-climbers-bouldering-take-their-sport-to-new-heights

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “jutt out” mean? “But, once it jutted out at a 25-degree overhang, he struggled – and was hooked.” Use this in a sentence. Give a synonym.
2. Define “self-sufficient“. “The coronavirus pandemic was a wake-up call that Malawi’s climbers had to be more self-sufficient, says Nhlane, 34.” Make a sentence with this. Give a synonym.
3. What does the expression “to never look back” mean? “Ed Nhlane was running a tour guiding company and hoping to get into rock climbing when he heard about Algeo’s wall through a friend in 2019. ‘I never looked back,’ he says.” Use this in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think rock climbing is becoming a popular sport among young Malawians?
2. What personal qualities or skills do you think rock climbing helps develop among the youths?
3. Do you think governments should invest in outdoor recreational facilities for young people? Why or why not?
4. How might economic or social challenges in Malawi influence young people to seek new hobbies like rock climbing?
5. In what ways can adventure sports like rock climbing positively impact mental health?
   

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The Vuelta a España, one of the three grand tours in professional cycling, is an exhilarating event that attracts cyclists from around the world. Joining this monumental race offers not only a chance to showcase one’s cycling skills but also an opportunity to experience the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Spain. 

Several compelling reasons make participating in the Vuelta a España an exciting prospect for cyclists of various levels.  Joining the Vuelta a España is an incredible opportunity for cyclists seeking to challenge themselves physically and mentally. The blend of competition, camaraderie, and cultural experiences makes it a unique event in the cycling world. Whether one aims to improve their skills, create lasting friendships, or savour the beauty of Spain, the Vuelta a España offers something for every cyclist. 

Read the article and learn more about the competition.

https://www.redbull.com/ph-en/la-vuelta-a-espana-key-facts

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “nailed-on” mean? “Although there are slim pickings for the peloton’s fast men, Giro d’Italia purple jersey winner Mads Pedersen is the nailed-on favourite for La Vuelta’s sprint classification, while the polka dot and white jerseys are likely to come from the general classification favourites – with Ayuso and Pellizzari both eligible for the latter.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
2. What does “tussle” mean? “Whoever’s on the startlist, the racing is always on the limit from the off as the peloton battle each other, the climb-heavy terrain and some extremely testing weather conditions, but this year’s rider line-up guarantees an intriguing tussle for the final Grand Tour of 2025.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
3. What does “slim pickings” mean?  “Although there are slim pickings for the peloton’s fast men, Giro d’Italia purple jersey winner Mads Pedersen is the nailed-on favourite for La Vuelta’s sprint classification, while the polka dot and white jerseys are likely to come from the general classification favourites – with Ayuso and Pellizzari both eligible for the latter.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a similar expression.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you know about La Vuelta? How important do you think races like this are?
2. What do you think about the course of the race?
3. What do you think makes cycling different from other endurance sports like running or swimming?
4. Have you ever tried long-distance cycling yourself? What was it like? If not yet, would you consider doing it someday? Why or why not?
5. Which sport or race is your favorite? Share everything there is to know about it.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Equestrian sports have been in the Olympics for over a hundred years, highlighting the bond between the rider and their horse.

More recently, there has been a debate on whether these events should stay in the Games, with concerns about horse welfare, accessibility, and how well they fit with current Olympic values.

Read this article to know about the case for the removal of equestrian sports from the Olympics.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/31/the-horses-dont-choose-to-take-part-should-equestrian-sports-be-removed-from-the-olympics

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the idiom “to go out of the window” mean? ““We know that whenever animals are treated as commodities and exploited for human gain, their best interests go out of the window,” says White.” Give a synonym and make a sentence with this expression.
2. What is an “outcry”? “Having been hailed as the “golden girl” of dressage and widely tipped for a damehood, Dujardin has been banned from the Paris Olympic Games amid public outcry and a pending investigation by the sport’s governing body.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘outcry’ in your own sentence.
3. Define “to put one’s foot down”. “We are trying to do everything we can to find out about unethical behaviour and put our foot down wherever it happens.” Give a similar expression and create a sentence using this idiom.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on removing equestrian sports from the Olympics?
2. Have you ever watched equestrian sports in the Olympics? If so, what was your impression of them?
3. How do you think the inclusion of equestrian sports in the Olympics reflects or challenges our views on animal welfare?
4. Are equestrian sports popular in your country? What other sports do you think might harm animals?
5. What’s your opinion on the statement, “Whenever there’s a lot of money or glory involved, people may exploit animals to make them perform a certain way.”?

B2 – Upper intermediate

After a devastating event, children of all ages in Rwanda are healing through the game of Rugby. Read the extraordinary stories of people involved in bringing hope back in a wounded community.

Rwanda Rugby: Sport helps heal wounds in ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’

Discuss:

1. Tell the story of Kamanda Tharcisse. How has Rugby helped him?
2. How did rugby reach Rwanda? Who are the other people involved in the foundation Friends of Rwandan Rugby?
3. How is rugny fairing in your country?
4. Aside from sports, what other activities can help heal or recuperate people who have gone through traumatic events.